Camden Lock Village

Transforming the capital’s legendary corner of cool

We are rejuvenating one of London’s favourite visitor destinations while complementing the iconic vibe that makes Camden so unique.

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Camden Lock Village Project summary

Client

Market Tech

Key partners

AHMM, Gardiner and Theobald, Walsh Group, Hoare Lea, AECOM

Services provided

Construction management

Sectors

Housing and regeneration, Mixed-use development

Locations

UK and Europe, UK - London and south-east England

Project timeline

State date:
September 2015
End date
Ongoing
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Project story

As part of the ongoing regeneration of London's vibrant Camden Town we were appointed in 2015 as the main contractor for the first phase of the Camden Lock Village development, which includes residential and high-quality public realm construction.

When completed, the village will feature eight new buildings between three and nine storeys in height, housing a new canal-side market, cafes and restaurants, a cinema, 195 residential units, a food quarter and commercial space. They will be integrated into the neighbourhood via several new pedestrian routes and open air public spaces.

Our involvement also includes the refurbishment of existing Network Rail viaducts and the canal-side public areas.

Our extensive knowledge of construction within the popular corner of London is ensuring that works are carried out sensitively and that a lasting, high-quality legacy is built for the community.

London, Camden Lock Aerial View - Mace Group

Project stats

195 new private and affordable homes
9,175sq m of employment space

points of note

Top-down basement

As part of the development we are constructing the largest basement on the site between two adjacent railway viaduct structures. We are using a top-down method, constructing the basement floors as the excavation of 50,000 cubic metres of spoil are removed, to minimise soil movement and reduce overall construction time.

Managing a constrained site

The most significant challenge of the project relates to the Network Rail viaducts that pass through the site area. The lines sit on two 150-year-old brickwork structures which split within the site boundary, carving the already congested site into four separated areas. The lines operate 24 hours a day as combined passenger and freight routes, with only a few minutes between services. The project team have managed crane operations, foundation excavation, basement excavation and drainage installation while ensuring that the railway stays safe and operational at all times.

Collaborative working

We had an intense preconstruction stage in which we worked closely with the client and the cost consultants to achieve a high-quality, cost-efficient scheme. Due to the site’s location, which is close to both overground and underground railway infrastructure, we are collaborating closely with Network Rail and London Underground. We are also working with several other key bodies, including the Canal and River Trust and National Grid to ensure we consider all possible effects on neighbours to the site.

Offering opportunities

We are working in partnership with the Kings Cross Construction Centre – Camden’s flagship skills centre – on a programme of apprentice employment. As a result we have offered up apprenticeship opportunities for local people interested in embarking on, or furthering a career, within the construction industry.

image gallery

London, Camden Lock Public Passage - Mace Group
London, Camden Lock Building View - Mace Group
London, Camden Lock Market - Mace Group

“Mace has been based in Camden for much of the past 25 years and we have great affection for, and knowledge of, the area. We’re therefore delighted to have this opportunity to bring our residential expertise and focus on innovation and high-class delivery to the benefit of the local communities.”

Gareth Lewis Chief Operating Officer for Construction, Mace

Tags:

construction construction management mixed-use development

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